A Literature Review of the Chemical Nature and Toxicity of the Decomposition Products of Polyethylenes

The literature on polyethylenes has been reviewed with an emphasis on the identification of gaseous products generated under various thermal decomposition conditions and the toxicity of those products. This review is limited to publications in English through 1984. The analytical chemical studies of the thermal decomposition products generated under vacuum, inert and oxidative experimental conditions are described. In oxidative atmospheres, which most closely simulate real fire conditions, carbon monoxide (CO) was found to be the predominant toxicant. Acrolein was another toxicant often noted in these reviewed studies. More acrolein was generated under non-flaming than under flaming conditions. Results from seven different test procedures were considered in assessing the acute inhalation toxicity of combustion products from various polyethylene formulations. The combustion products generated from the polyethylenes studied in the non-flaming mode appeared to be slightly more toxic than those produced in the flaming mode. In the non-flaming mode the LC 50 values ranged from 5 to 75 mg 11. In the flaming mode the LC 50 values ranged from 31 to 51 mg 11. The toxicity of the degradation products of polyethylenes appears to be similar to that found for other common materials designed for the same end uses.